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Costochondritis and bad chest discomfort

Posted , 6 users are following.

kandyflan
kandyflan

Hello everyone, I am a 19 year old fairly healthy female. I have had "costo" for about 3 years now. I have no idea how this costo came, but lately it has been giving me hell. I also suffer with anxiety, so this does not make it any better. I was wondering if any of you have had the symptoms that I have. When I don't have chest pains, I have this sort of fullness and pressure in the left side of my chest. Kind of like someone had stuffed something into my chest. The discomfort also radiates up to the left side of my neck. I also have been having a weak heartbeat, where I can't really feel my heartbeat in my chest. I have had Ekgs, chest X-rays, and blood tests which all came back normal except for a vitamin d deficiency, which is resolved now. I really want to go back to the doctor but I'm afraid they will think I'm crazy. Has anyone else been experiencing this? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you,

Kandyse

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • stella26579
    stella26579 kandyflan

    Posted

    Hi Kandyse

    I've had it for about a year now and my symptoms are just like yours. My chest feels like someone has stuffed something in it and sometimes my whole rib cage seems to expand. It affects my breathing and I have inhalers from the doc which help me. Painkillers don't work really just try to relax and warm baths help - also not wearing a bra smile

    • kandyflan
      kandyflan stella26579

      Posted

      Thank you for replying! I also don't wear bras either :D , but my heart always feels strange and weak, like my chest pressure is blocking my ability to feel my heartbeat. It's an awful feeling but maybe I am noticing it too much! Currently using a heating pad lol.

    • ray63269
      ray63269 stella26579

      Posted

      Hi Stella does your ribcage feel tender all the time as mine is constantly as well as heavy . Muscles hurt too and shoulder
    • stella26579
      stella26579 ray63269

      Posted

      Yes my ribcage is tender all the time, I don't get the sharp pains that some people get but I am always uncomfortable with it. The only time I feel Ok is when I am on holiday, relaxing in the sun, the heat really helps and of course you're relaxed so this will always help.

    • ray63269
      ray63269 stella26579

      Posted

      Same as me . Ribcage always tender and uncomfortable . If I'm relaxing in heat it does ease the ribs . Have you tried one of them chest wrap heat hads that are electronic . I'm definately thinking of trying one

    • stella26579
      stella26579 ray63269

      Posted

      will look into that or consider moving to a hot country lol
  • ray63269
    ray63269 kandyflan

    Posted

    Hi kandy I have the same neck and chest symptoms but I have tender ribs all the time and tender chest muscles . Do you experience this too . Anxiety might be causing heart feeling
    • kandyflan
      kandyflan ray63269

      Posted

      Yes, I also have the heaviness feeling more than anything. Like there is a weight in my chest holding it down. Ray, have you had any tests done?
    • ray63269
      ray63269 kandyflan

      Posted

      Yes had chest xray and heart tests . All came back normal . So it seems it's definately costo . I know you must be feeling dreadful but anxiety makes it far worse . I am a big worrier and anxiety really irritates mine . I am now using a heat pad . I bought an electrical one that can lay across my chest which defiantly helps soothe it especially to sleep as it has a timer that turns off after 90 minutes . You can buy them on amazon

  • QueenMo
    QueenMo kandyflan

    Posted

    I reached the "they probably think I'm a hypochondriac already" about 6 months ago! I seriously have learned to control the anxiety a little bit with breathing in through my nose and 4 short breaths out through pursed lips. I do this like 10 times ... I take 2 Tylenol (can't take anti-inflammatory meds) and go into total rest mode with a heating pad on low to medium. I also keep a brown "lunch bag" to do the "panic attack" breathing close at hand! My Cosco comes and goes and with this technique I can go off and do it anywhere (work, party, even a restaurant). Good luck to you! I hope your body outgrows this mysterious ailment!

    • ray63269
      ray63269 QueenMo

      Posted

      They definately do think that about alot of us sufferers . Very little understanding in some professionals . I use a heat pad too but I think I should try the breathing method as my anxiety goes through the roof
  • grace28398
    grace28398 kandyflan

    Posted

    HI Sorry your going through this!!!!  I too have had these symptom as well. Dont Ever to be afraid to question drs or request for help. I have been to the ER many many times. Eventhough they ruled out anything cardiac for chest pain, my cardiologist told me to go to get an ekg just to be on the safe side. I take tylenol and Neurontin for pain. Also Arnica gel helps and soft ice packs help alot. My dr has sent me to numerous specialists  and is very supportive. This Costro stinks and can be painful, and anxiety provoking. Dont ever let anyone judge you. Until they are walking in your shoes they have no idea what your going through. I pray alot too. Helps me and I have a counselor too. Also accupuncture might help you or PT. Hope this helps. Hang in there. You are not alone!!!!!!  smile
    • ray63269
      ray63269 grace28398

      Posted

      Very well said grace . I totally agree at every level . And costro is a hideous thing to have . We should all stand together
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